GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 21366 Converter Holding Strap

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

  1. Disconnect the battery negative cable.
  2. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Disconnect the range selector cable from the transmission bracket and from the transmission range select lever. Refer to Shift Cable Replacement .
  4. Remove the rear propeller shaft. Refer to Rear Propeller Shaft in Propeller Shaft.
  5. Support the transmission with a transmission jack.
  6. Remove the transfer case if equipped. Refer to the appropriate Transfer Case Replacement in Transfer Case:
  7. • Transfer Case Replacement (Selectable Four Wheel Drive).
    • Transfer Case Replacement (Auto Four Wheel Drive ).
    • Transfer Case Replacement (Manual Four Wheel Drive).

    Object Number: 102329  Size: SH
  8. Gasoline Engine--Remove the following components:
  9. 7.1. Two bolts
    7.2. Two washers
    7.3. One nut
    7.4. The transmission to engine brace

    Object Number: 102332  Size: SH
  10. Diesel Engine--Remove the following components:
  11. 8.1. Two bolts
    8.2. Two washers
    8.3. One nut
    8.4. The transmission to engine brace
  12. Remove the transmission rear mount.
  13. Remove the frame crossmember.
  14. Remove the exhaust pipe from the exhaust manifolds. Remove the muffler assembly from the exhaust pipe, if required. Refer to Exhaust System.

  15. Object Number: 102208  Size: SH
  16. For the 5.0L Gasoline Engine: Remove the six bolts securing the converter cover to the transmission.
  17. Remove the starter. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement in Engine Electrical.
  18. For the 4.3L Gasoline Engine: Remove the dust plug at the end of the starter mounting port in order to gain access to the converter bolts.

  19. Object Number: 102335  Size: SH
  20. For the Diesel Engine and 7.4L/5.7L Engines: Remove the four bolts securing the converter cover to the transmission.
  21. Mark the flywheel and the torque converter alignment.

  22. Object Number: 102211  Size: SH
  23. Remove the bolts that attach the torque converter to the engine flywheel.

  24. Object Number: 102339  Size: SH
  25. Remove the transmission vent hose.
  26. Disconnect the wiring harness connectors from the vehicle speed sensors and from the park neutral position switch.
  27. Remove all vehicle electrical harness wires, harness clips, tubes, and brackets that may interfere with the removal of the transmission.
  28. Remove the fluid fill tube and the fill tube seal from the transmission. Refer to Filler Tube Replacement .
  29. Plug the fluid fill tube opening in the transmission.
  30. Disconnect the transmission oil cooler pipes from the transmission. Refer to the oil cooler pipe quick connect fittings removal procedure in Oil Cooler Hose/Pipe Replacement .
  31. Plug the transmission oil cooler pipe connectors in the transmission case.
  32. Install the J 21366 in order to keep the torque converter from sliding off of the transmission turbine shaft.
  33. Support the engine with a suitable jack stand before removing the transmission from the engine.

  34. Object Number: 102341  Size: SH
  35. 5.0L and 5.7L Gasoline Engine: Remove the studs and bolts securing the transmission to the engine.

  36. Object Number: 102343  Size: SH
  37. 4.3L Gasoline Engine: Remove the studs and bolts securing the transmission to the engine.
  38. Pull the transmission straight back from the engine.
  39. Lower the transmission using the transmission jack.
  40. Flush the transmission oil cooler and the pipes whenever you remove the transmission for overhaul, or replacement of the torque converter, the pump, or the transmission case. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Flushing .
  41. Clean the transmission case using a solvent dampened cloth. Do not allow solvent to enter the transmission.
  42. Air dry the transmission.
  43. Clean all hardware and the flywheel cover using solvent. Air dry all the parts.
  44. Inspect all the components for wear and damage.
  45. Inspect all the seals and the fittings for signs of wear.
  46. Inspect the torque converter for stripped or broken weld nuts.
  47. Inspect the transmission case for cracks.

Installation Procedure

Tools Required

J 21366 Converter Holding Strap

Important: 

   • The torque converter and the flywheel must be aligned and must rotate freely.
   • Install the brackets, the clips, and the harnesses to the original locations.
   • Install the oil level indicator tube after installing the transmission.

  1. Install the J 21366 in order to keep the torque converter from sliding off of the transmission turbine shaft.
  2. Raise the transmission into place and remove the J 21366 .
  3. Support the transmission with a transmission jack.
  4. Slide the transmission straight onto the locating pins while lining up the marks on the flywheel and the torque converter.

  5. Object Number: 102341  Size: SH

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  6. 5.0L and 5.7L Gasoline Engine: Install the studs and the bolts securing the transmission to the engine.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the studs and the bolts to 47 N·m (34 lb ft).


    Object Number: 102343  Size: SH
  8. 4.3L Gasoline Engine: Install the studs and the bolts securing the transmission to the engine.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the studs and the bolts to 47 N·m (34 lb ft).


    Object Number: 102339  Size: SH
  10. Install the transmission vent hose.
  11. Connect the wiring harness connectors to the vehicle speed sensors and to the park neutral position switch.
  12. Install all vehicle electrical harness wires, harness clips, tubes, and brackets removed before transmission removal.
  13. Remove the two plugs from the transmission case cooler pipe connectors.
  14. Install the transmission cooler pipes. Refer to the oil cooler quick connect fitting installation procedure in Oil Cooler Hose/Pipe Replacement .
  15. Install the transmission fluid fill tube and the fill tube seal. Refer to Filler Tube Replacement .

  16. Object Number: 102211  Size: SH
  17. Install the three bolts securing the torque converter to the engine flywheel.
  18. Tighten

    1. Tighten the bolts finger tight to insure proper converter seating.
    2. Tighten the bolts to 63 N·m (46 lb ft).

    Object Number: 102335  Size: SH
  19. 7.4L and 5.7L Gasoline Engine: Install the bolts securing the converter cover to the transmission.
  20. Tighten
    Tighten the converter cover bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

  21. 5.0L Gasoline Engine: Install the bolts securing the converter cover to the transmission.

  22. Object Number: 102208  Size: SH
  23. Gasoline Engine: Install the converter cover plug in the starter mounting port.
  24. Tighten
    Tighten the converter cover bolts to 33 N·m (24 lb ft).

  25. Install the exhaust pipe from the exhaust manifolds and the muffler assembly from the exhaust pipe if required. Refer to Engine Mechanical.
  26. Install the frame crossmember.
  27. Install the rear transmission mount.

  28. Object Number: 102329  Size: SH
  29. Gasoline Engine--Install the following parts:
  30. 20.1. The transmission to engine brace
    20.2. Two bolts
    20.3. Two washers
    20.4. One nut

    Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 55 N·m (41 lb ft).


    Object Number: 102332  Size: SH
  31. Diesel Engine--Install the following parts:
  32. 21.1. The transmission to engine brace
    21.2. Two bolts
    21.3. Two washers
    21.4. One nut

    Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 70 N·m (51 lb ft).

  33. Install the transfer case to the transmission if removed. Refer to Transfer Case Replacement in Transfer Case.
  34. Remove the transmission jack and the engine support stands.
  35. Install the rear propeller shaft. Refer to Rear propeller Shaft in Propeller Shaft.
  36. Install the transmission range select cable to the transmission range select lever and the transmission bracket. Refer to Shift Cable Replacement .
  37. Remove the safety stands.
  38. Lower the vehicle.
  39. Fill the transmission with new transmission fluid.
  40. Connect the battery negative cable.
  41. Tighten
    Tighten the terminal bolt to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).